Biomedical Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering at Purdue University offers students a comprehensive education at the intersection of engineering, biology, and medicine. This interdisciplinary program is designed to prepare students to develop innovative solutions for healthcare challenges, improve medical technologies, and contribute to advances in medical diagnostics, treatment, and rehabilitation. Throughout the curriculum, students gain a strong foundation in engineering principles, such as electronics, mechanics, and systems modeling, paired with coursework in biology, physiology, and biomaterials, fostering a holistic understanding of human health and disease. The program emphasizes experiential learning through laboratory work, design projects, and internships, providing practical skills in designing medical devices, imaging systems, and biocompatible materials. Students are encouraged to participate in research opportunities with faculty who are engaged in cutting-edge biomedical innovations, as well as industry collaborations that expose them to real-world applications and the biomedical device development process. The curriculum also includes courses in ethics, regulatory affairs, and entrepreneurship to prepare students for the legal and commercial aspects of the biomedical field. Purdue’s state-of-the-art laboratories and research centers support student projects and innovation, creating an environment conducive to hands-on learning and technological advancement. Graduates of the Biomedical Engineering program are well-equipped for careers in medical device companies, healthcare technology firms, research institutions, and clinical settings. Many pursue advanced degrees or professional certifications to deepen their expertise and expand their career opportunities. With a strong emphasis on teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, the program aims to produce graduates who are capable of leading healthcare innovations and improving patient care worldwide.

PhD from BS

PhD POS Worksheet

90 total credit hours of course work and research:

• 26 minimum credit hours of graduate (500- & 600-level) course work
  • 26 is a minimum. The student's thesis committee may require additional courses.
  • Of this 26 minimum, 24 credit hours are core competency coursework (BME, Quantitative Analysis, Life Sciences, & other Engineering). Note that BME courses can count as "other engineering."
  • Seminar-style or laboratory/methodology courses cannot count toward these core competency requirements. The exception is research expertise and training (RET) modules.
  • At least 6 of these core competency credits must be from 600-level courses. Students are encouraged to take these courses on the West Lafayette campus. Exceptions would need to be brought to the Grad Committee for review and approval.
  • For the most part, only 3-credit 500- or 600-level courses count toward the 24 credit hour of core competency requirements. 1- or 2-credit courses are considered on case-by-case basis and exceptions are listed in the approved course list.
  • Any remedial coursework to meet prerequisites (300, 400 level courses) will not count toward the 26 credit minimum coursework, but may count toward the total 90 credit hours
• 6 cr. hr. BME
• 6 cr. hr. Quantitative / Analytical*
• 6 cr. hr. Life Sciences*
• 6 cr. hr. other Engineering* (this can include BME courses)
• 1 credit hour of graduate level ethics*
  • this requirement must be fulfilled within first year in PhD program (effective for those entering fall 2009 and after)
  • GRAD 61200 is one example of a course that could fulfill this requirement
• 1 cr. hr. Critical Literature Analysis
  • to be completed during the first semester
  • to be joint effort between W. Lafayette campus and IUPUI campus as 601 & 602 were in the past
• 4 semesters of graduate seminar (BME 69000) - All doctoral students are required to complete four semesters of BME Seminar. Students admitted for the Fall 2010 semester or after have the following options to complete this requirement:
  • Register for and satisfactorily complete FOUR semesters of BME Seminar (BME 69000)
  OR
  • Register for and satisfactorily complete THREE semesters of BME Seminar (BME 69000) AND register for and satisfactorily complete ONE semester of BME Summer Seminar series (not permitted for MS students).
  OR
  • Register for and satisfactorily complete THREE semesters of BME Seminar (BME 69000) AND register for and satisfactorily complete BIOMEDSHIP, which includes the 1-credit Biomedical Leadership Workshop (MGMT 59000)
  • this is a 0 credit requirement
  • do not place on Plan of Study
• 48 - 64 research credits (variable; depends on number of courses taken)
• Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and must receive a B- or better in all courses on the plan of study
• Students entering the PhD program must complete a Plan of Study (POS) rationale document
  • A "POS rationale document" known as the Plan of Study Form will be completed by the student. This document will be used to demonstrate completion of the four core competency areas (BME, QA, other Engineering, and Life Sciences) in addition to defining a depth area that is supported by the coursework.
  • The Plan of Study Form will be presented to the student's committee for approval by signature at the Plan of Study meeting, Phase II of the PQP process.
  • The document will be archived in the student's file in the BME graduate office.

*Courses NOT approved by the BME Graduate Committee for any of the core competency areas.

Work with your research advisor and advisory committee to develop your plan of study. They should help to determine the appropriate core competency area for each Purdue course.

PhD from MS

PhD POS Worksheet

90 total credit hours of course work and research:

• Same requirements as for PhD from BS except that
  • up to 12 cr. hr. of MS or previous graduate coursework may be transferred to the PhD plan of study by petition to the BME Graduate Committee
  • Purdue BME master's students who continue on for the PhD in BME can transfer two BME seminars from their master's program toward the PhD program requirements. No seminar transfers are permitted for master's graduates entering from other schools.

Direct PhD post BS degree

Students with strong undergraduate academic records who have not earned a master's degree may apply for the direct PhD program. If a PhD is your ultimate degree objective, the direct PhD option reduces your course requirements and can accelerate your progress toward the PhD degree.

For domestic applicants:

• Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution;
• Minimum 3.25/4.00 grade point average (GPA) in undergraduate study, with target GPA of approximately 3.60/4.00;
• Target GRE scores of 550 and higher for verbal and 750 and higher for quantitative, or 156 and higher for verbal and 159 and higher for quantitative on the revised GRE test beginning August 2011.

For international applicants:

• Minimum 3.25/4.00 grade point average (GPA) or equivalent in undergraduate study with target GPA of 3.60/4.00 or equivalent;
• Minimum TOEFL scores required for non-native speakers of English: at least 550 on paper-based test; at least 213 on computer-based test; or meet or exceed each of the following internet-based test scores: writing-18; speaking-18; listening-14; reading-19; total-77; or an overall band score of at least 6.5 on the IELTS;
• Top 5% of graduating class, or higher, depending on the prior institution;
• Target GRE scores of 550 and higher for verbal and 750 and higher for quantitative, or 156 and higher for verbal and 159 and higher for quantitative on the revised GRE test beginning August 2011.

Direct PhD post MS degree

For domestic applicants:

• Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution;
• Minimum 3.25/4.00 grade point average (GPA) in undergraduate study, with target GPA of approximately 3.60/4.00;
• Target GRE scores of 550 and higher for verbal and 750 and higher for quantitative, or 156 and higher for verbal and 159 and higher for quantitative on the revised GRE test beginning August 2011.

For international applicants:

• Minimum 3.25/4.00 grade point average (GPA) or equivalent in undergraduate study with target GPA of 3.60/4.00 or equivalent;
• Minimum TOEFL scores required for non-native speakers of English: at least 550 on paper-based test; at least 213 on computer-based test; or meet or exceed each of the following internet-based test scores: writing-18; speaking-18; listening-14; reading-19; total-77; or an overall band score of at least 6.5 on the IELTS;
• Top 5% of graduating class, or higher, depending on the prior institution;
• Target GRE scores of 550 and higher for verbal and 750 and higher for quantitative, or 156 and higher for verbal and 159 and higher for quantitative on the revised GRE test beginning August 2011.

1. Online application - choose Biomedical Engineering as ‘Major’;
2. $75 application fee paid online via credit card;
3. Resume or curriculum vita;
4. Statement of purpose;
5. Three letters of recommendation;
6. *NEW - beginning Spring 2016* Transcripts: You must upload to the online application transcript(s) and/or academic document(s) for every institution of higher education you attended. If a transcript is not in English, you must also upload an English translation certified by the college or university which issued it. You must also upload copies of your original language diplomas/certificates and their English translations as applicable. The uploaded transcript and/or academic document must be from the official version of the document. An official transcript bears the original signature of the registrar and/or the original seal of the issuing institution. All transcripts and/or academic documents uploaded to the online application system are considered unofficial. You need only provide official transcripts and/or academic records if you are admitted and choose to enroll. For more information, please see How to apply;
7. Official GRE scores sent directly from Educational Testing Service (ETS) to Purdue University institution code 1631;
8. Official TOEFL scores sent directly from Educational Testing Service (ETS) to Purdue University institution code 1631; or official IELTS score report.

Scholarships

• Purdue Graduate School Fellowships
• College of Engineering Fellowships

The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering at Purdue University offers students an interdisciplinary education that combines engineering principles with medical and biological sciences. This programme prepares graduates to work at the forefront of healthcare innovation, including medical device development, imaging systems, rehabilitation engineering, and tissue engineering. The curriculum includes foundational courses in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biology, alongside specialized courses such as biomedical electronics, biomechanics, biomaterials, medical imaging, and systems physiology. Students also participate in laboratory work and design projects, fostering hands-on experience and problem-solving skills essential for the biomedical industry. The programme emphasizes research and development, encouraging students to engage in projects that address real-world medical challenges, often in collaboration with healthcare providers and industry partners. Purdue’s state-of-the-art facilities include labs equipped for biomedical instrumentation, tissue engineering, and bioinformatics, providing an ideal environment for experiential learning. The university’s strong ties with medical institutions and industry leaders facilitate internships and cooperative education opportunities, enabling students to gain practical experience and establish professional networks. Moreover, the program promotes innovation and entrepreneurship, supporting students interested in starting their own companies or advancing medical technologies. Graduates of Purdue’s Biomedical Engineering programme are well-equipped to pursue careers in healthcare technology design, biomedical research, clinical engineering, regulatory roles, or advanced studies in graduate or professional schools. The programme’s curriculum is regularly reviewed and updated to keep pace with rapid developments in biomedical sciences and engineering. With a focus on both technical expertise and ethical considerations, Purdue’s Biomedical Engineering degree aims to produce graduates who are capable of improving human health through technology, research, and engineering solutions that are safe, effective, and innovative.